Sedimentary rocks are formed through a process called lithification, which involves the accumulation, compression, and cementation of sediments. First, sediments are deposited on the Earth's surface by wind, water, ice, or biological processes. Over time, these sediments are buried and compacted by the weight of the overlying layers. As more and more sediments accumulate, the pressure and temperature increase, causing the sediments to become more tightly packed and solidify into rock. During this process, minerals in groundwater can act as a natural cement, binding the sediments together and forming a solid rock matrix. The types of sedimentary rocks that are formed depend on the composition of the original sediments and the environmental conditions in which they were deposited. Overall, sedimentary rocks provide valuable information about Earth's history and past environments, making them an important field of study in geology.